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Best Bars for Hipsters in Washington, D.C.

April 17, 2014 9:00 AM

(Photo: John Moore/Getty Images)

Every city has hipsters, but only D.C. has hipsters that can roll straight from the Hill to the bar. Here are some of the Best Hipster Hangout Spots In DC, and here’s a list of five more bars to find them at any point during the year.

American Ice Company is a cool venue located near U Street. Its industrial style of concrete and wooden tables is complemented by the bar and retro drinks served in mason jars. Known for its selection of whiskey, when you need to balance out the whiskey drinks, grab one of the barbecue sandwiches. Served by the sandwich or platter, the brisket is grilled on site. The hipsters flock to American Ice Company to toss one back and enjoy delicious BBQ in this cozy, casual establishment.

This popular bar in DuPont Circle is known for having the best and coolest board games for rent. From the retro games from your childhood like Hungry Hungry Hippos to the poplar party games like Cards Against Humanity, you’ll find the D.C. 20-something hipsters hanging out here for hours. With nothing but drinks and games, it’s great place to meet people. To make your game interactive with everyone around you, try Jenga, which can start a conversation with your neighbor when the stack comes tumbling down.

This Atlas District bar is the place to go when you want to kick back with the hipsters. Despite the name, there’s a very extensive list of craft and national brands of beer. With theme nights like costume karaoke and DJs on the weekend, Little Miss Whiskey’s is the place to go to groove with hipsters. It’s a very laid-back bar that is cash only, so be sure to bring enough for yourself and any friends you make while there.

Located only a few minutes’ walk from the Columbia Heights metro, the Red Derby is the hipster place to go for a can of your favorite blue collar beer, like PBR. There’s a list of cans on the chalkboard, but don’t miss the cocktails. When you need something to soak up the booze, grab one of the nachos, tacos, po’ boys or burgers. Red Derby is also well known for its brunch on Sundays, which packs in the house. There’s smoking allowed on the rooftop deck that overlooks the Columbia Heights area. It’s a cash-only bar, but don’t worry, there’s an ATM downstairs.

Solly’s Tavern is always a crowded hipster bar on U Street. With attractions like costume karaoke, comics open mic night and trivia nights, there’s always something to do. The happy hour last until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Solly’s has two different bar areas on the main level and then an upstairs bar as well. The cozy, low-key environment is the perfect place to wind down after a long day and grab a drink with some of your hipster friends.

Jamie Hardin is the counter-culture Washingtonian in the know. Inspired by food, sustainability issues, and public health, she prides herself on finding DC’s off-the-beaten path treasures. When she isn’t enjoying organic food or reducing her carbon footprint, Jamie’s traveling on her scooter or walking her two pit bulls. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.